Midday Roundup: Indiana enacts groundbreaking religious protections

Fully protected. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence today signed a law that protects the religious rights of individuals, businesses, and associations. The measure prohibits state and local laws that “substantially burden” the ability of people to follow their religious beliefs. As an example, Pence cited the federal Affordable Care Act, which set off a flurry of lawsuits over whether employers must provide health coverage of contraceptives and abortifacients in conflict with their religious beliefs. Pence said in a statement the bill ensures “religious liberty is fully protected under Indiana law.” Indiana is the first state to enact such a change this year among about a dozen where such proposals have been introduced. Critics say the law will encourage discrimination against gay people. Two organizations scheduled to hold major conventions in Indianapolis said they might change locations if the law went into effect.

A win for moms. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling handed down Wednesday gave pregnant workers a green light to sue for workplace discrimination. Peggy Young was a pregnant driver for delivery company United Parcel Service when she asked for light lifting restrictions, per her doctor’s order. UPS followed business practice at the time and refused the request because pregnancy wasn’t included in light-duty categories. By a 6-to-3 vote, the justices reinstated Young’s case and remanded it for further review.

Papal audience. Pope Francis will visit President Barack Obama at the White House when he comes to the United States this fall. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the president and first lady would welcome the pope Sept. 23. It is Francis’ first papal visit to the United States. He is scheduled to address both the annual United Nations General Assembly and a joint meeting of Congress.

Stormy night. The first round of severe weather in this year’s tornado season devastated a mobile home park in Tulsa, Okla., as storms across the area damaged buildings, tore off roofs, and left debris strewn across roads Wednesday. One person was killed and several were injured. Tens of thousands of Oklahoma residents were without power early Thursday as officials assessed the damage. Tornadoes were also spotted in Arkansas and Moore, Okla., which was hit by a destructive EF5 tornado in 2013.

The Associated Press and WORLD Radio’s Mary Reichard contributed to this report.